The exhibit, Design Beyond Vision, features incredibly well-made pieces that have changed the way I think about design as a whole. Many works installed in the exhibit gave myself and people around me new views on inclusive design, directly having to do with deaf/blind people. This is an all new conversation to myself and others, a world built specifically to make it more comfortable for those challenged physically. I have always been interested in the idea of human/sense centered design, seeing it in an all-new way is breathtaking. I hope to see more artists take an interest in this sort of work in the future, including me.
Smell and Touch
Describe:
- Shape. The structure as a whole is rectangular.
- Variation. The textures/scents vary throughout the exhibition.
- Chemistry. The jointed textures and smells create unity through their similarity.
- Texture. The piece utilizes rougher and flatter surfaces.
Analyze:
- How are the elements of contrast and texture related within the work? These differing surfaces are directly side by side so the variation between the two becomes obvious.
- How does gradation affect the work? The gradation connecting the different textures makes it easy for the hands to travel between them.
- How are varying textures utilized in this work? In how the piece is structured the textures are installed lower as to invite interactions and touch.
- How does this piece encourage self-directed interaction? The way the machines producing the smells and the textured objects are nearby one another makes it easy for the user to understand how they are intended interact with the work itself.
- How is the theme of multiple senses communicated through the work? This work utilizes touch/smell throughout its structure. The people interacting with it are inclined to run their hand cross the surface and smell the scents tied to the piece, ultimately producing the product of both touch and smell through the experience.
Interpret:
- How do the concepts displayed here relate to the world? The importance of including everyone, no matter their disposition, is ever growing. This exhibit begins to understand how we may utilize concepts having to do with inclusiveness in conjunction with design as we progress.
- Does the exhibit evoke any emotions? During the entirety of this experience I was in complete awe. So if I were to choose an emotion that this exhibit evoked from me, it would be utter awe.
- Is the exhibit successful in communicating its message? I would say yes, mostly. The exhibit could sometimes unintentionally blur the lines of what was possible to interact with and what was only to be looked at.
- What ideas was the curator trying to convey in this exhibit? This exhibition was created as I think partially a personal pleasure exploration, as well as a way to spark interest in the conversation of inclusion. We live in an ever-changing society, this is just one example of it.
- What do these ides have to do with me? Well, as an illustrator, I don’t have much of a handle or understanding on this industry, but I do understand the importance. I will continue to support the growth and interest in this sort of niche area of design.
